Hard Disk blows when power is turned on.

[ToddGivens]

Hey everyone, I've been scratching my head over this one.

I received an older Gateway pc to repair. When I turned it on the hard disk did not power up. No spinning, nothing. I assumed it was a bad hard drive so I replaced it with another. With the new hard drive plugged up, I proceeded to install the OS, drivers, software, etc. Once the computer was complete, I mounted the hard drive and replaced the case cover. I then attempted to turn it back on to test once more and nothing, the hard drive is dead, no spinning as if no power was not attached. I now have two bad hard disks and no resolution. When I turned it on, I did smell something burning. Any thoughs? Your help is greatly appreciated.

-Todd

 

[micker377]

Power supply. When it goes, often the first thing that goes is the hard drives.

 

[paparazi]

I agree!
Both HDD's down to a bad PSU.
Look closely at the HDD's circuit boards for a tiny burning PIT mark in one of the controller chips (typical evidence of power spike damage from PSU)
Martin

We like members to GIVE and not just TAKE.
Participate and help others.

 

[paparazi]

I agree.
Both HDD's have failed due to a bad PSU.
Have a close look at the circuit boards on the two HDD's you might see a small PIT mark (burning mark) on one of the controller chips, typical visual confirmation of voltage spike damage caused by the PSU.
Martin

We like members to GIVE and not just TAKE.
Participate and help others.

 

[ToddGivens]

I was afraid of that. Assumed it was either the power supply or mobo. Guess I needed a little reassurance. Thanks as always.

-Todd